Cable Tv Pact Extended, Aiding Bargaining Power

September 22, 1993|By Shirley Siluk.

Darien — Officials have extended the city's franchise agreement with its cable television company for two years, a move that is expected to give the city stronger bargaining power on cable issues in the future.

Darien's franchise with Cablevision was due to expire in August 1994. Earlier this year, though, members of the city's Cable Commission recommended extending the franchise by two years to match the renewal dates of two neighboring towns, Downers Grove and Woodridge.

"This linkage should save money in consultant fees and provide us with a better negotiation position," City Administrator Tim Gagen wrote in a memo to City Council members this June. The franchise extension to November 1996 also gives the city more time to determine the effects of recent changes in cable regulations by the Federal Communications Commission, Gagen added.

Council members voted unanimously Monday to support the extension. Cablevision officials have approved the agreement.